BU–UCLA center developing tests to tell if lung nodules are cancer
The Boston University - UCLA Lung Cancer Biomarker Characterization Center
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS · NIH-11158684
This project is creating and validating minimally invasive biomarker tests, like a nasal-swab gene test, to help people with intermediate-risk lung nodules know whether their nodule is likely cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11158684 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you have an indeterminate pulmonary nodule (about 5–65% chance of cancer), researchers will use simple samples such as a nasal swab and other minimally invasive assays to look for gene-expression and biomarker patterns linked to lung cancer. The team will standardize and validate those biomarkers across sites, compare results to imaging and clinical outcomes, and work with a commercial lab partner to translate a nasal-swab test into clinical use. The goal is to reclassify intermediate-risk nodules into lower or higher risk groups so fewer people undergo unnecessary invasive biopsies and more people with cancer get timely care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a screening-detected or incidentally found pulmonary nodule classified as intermediate risk (roughly 5–65% chance of malignancy) are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients whose nodules are already clearly low-risk (<5%) or high-risk (>65%), or who have known metastatic disease or recent lung cancer treatment, are less likely to benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these tests could reduce unnecessary invasive procedures and speed accurate diagnosis for people with intermediate-risk lung nodules.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work, including earlier EDRN-funded studies, found promising nasal gene-expression signals and a related nasal-swab test is being launched as a CLIA LDT, but broader validation in intermediate-risk nodules remains ongoing.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LENBURG, MARC ELLIOTT — BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS
- Study coordinator: LENBURG, MARC ELLIOTT
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.